RCMP Commissioner Mike Duhene has responded to a recent CBC expose revealing extensive surveillance of Indigenous groups in the 60s and 70s.
They acquired declassified files showing RCMP used wire-taps, paid informants, and covert operatives to infiltrate the 1970s Indigenous Rights movement. It was deemed the “Native Extremism Program”, and targeted over 30 First Nations organizations, and hundreds of individuals.
In his statement, Duhene says he sincerely regrets the systemic racism of the era, and says it has no place in the modern world. But he also says he understands trust is gained through actions instead of words.
A meeting is being set up between Duhene, Indigenous Elders and leadership, and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, to discuss pathways towards healing, and strengthening relationships.
Meanwhile, Assembly of First Nations Nation Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has called for an immediate inquiry into the RCMP surveillance program from the 1970s , saying in part ‘We must learn from the past to ensure this never happens again.’
For Chief Woodhouse Nepinak, a recent apology from RCMP Commissioner Mike Duhene for the existence of a ‘Native Extremism Program’ does not go far enough. She’s requested further apologies from both Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree for what she called the disgraceful conduct of the program – one that subjected hundreds of Indigenous leaders and dozens of Indigenous organizations to heavy government surveillance rooted in systemic racism.
Given the Federal government’s emphasis on major projects and the far-reaching implications of Bill C-5, Woodhouse Nepinak said she has serious concerns that similar activities may still be underway, and wants the Government of Canada to make all information on the matter available to the public.
With regards to the program itself, the National Chief said in part, ‘We are not enemies of the state. We are First Nations and the first partners in this land.’ She continues to say that Canada ‘must not return to a time where First Nations are subject to infiltration, intimidation and surveillance, where principled opposition to development is labeled as criminal, extremist, or the result of foreign interference.’
At a news conference in Halifax today, Prime Minister Carney agreed that a formal apology was necessary, referring to the ‘Native Extremism Program’ as a reprehensible practice and said it ‘never should’ve happened.’
Chief Woodhouse Nepinak says she’ll also be reaching out to the Public Safety Minister to find out exactly what Canada is doing to move forward in light of the revelation.
